I recently was hit with the bug to own a Model 10, and acquired this one for $255. It's a late "C" number, a 10-6 around 50 years old just like me. I'll admit that 20 or 30 years ago, I held no desire to own a humble .38 revolver. I cut my handgun teeth shooting the 1911A1 and Beretta M9 in the Marine Corps, and considered a service-size revolver to be terribly obsolete. Growing up seeing them everywhere, virtually in every cop's holster, might have made me take the Model 10 for granted...

Now that I'm older and wiser, with a better appreciation for classic beauty, I find this revolver calls to me. I can easily understand what has made the K-frame Smith and Wesson a favorite for over a century. Rugged simplicity, graceful lines, and a satisfying, hand-filling heft--neither too light nor too heavy, it's perfect! It sits in my safe next to my other K-Frame Smith, a British No. 2 in 38/200 caliber. I've heard a lot of people say every serious shooter or collector should have a Model 10, and I heartily agree! Anyone else have photos or stories to share about theirs?

Top condition compared to most you see now a-days . Around here you see those that are that nice going for about $400 or more. Great find.

Thanks! I was happy to get it at that price, because as you mention they seem to generally go for more than that unless in relatively poor condition. This isn't quite as nice as the photos make it appear, as it has some holster-wear typical of a law-enforcement trade-in. I used my Birchwood-Casey bluing touch-up pen to good effect...

BTW, I have the exact holster as you're showing there. "Hunter" brand?

Zieg

I'd love to stumble into a S&W 1917, definitely on my "would like to have" list. And yes, that is a Hunter holster. I wanted to find something that I could use with the .38 gunbelt I had bought to use with my 5" barreled Smith. This one, for the 5" barrel, is a George Lawrence Holster (as is the belt):

I love mine. I has a 4" bull barrel and is a former NYPD revolver with loads of holster wear, but still perfect function. I also have a 38/200 S&W Victory model that served in Australia. Both have character no Glock could ever aspire to. I do like the weight of the Model 10 a great deal and the heavy bull barrel helps. It only has fixed sights, nothing fancy, but that makes it have so much more character. The Victory model has a green twinge to it from it arsenal refinish from Lithgow. Again, that sure draws people's eyes. I too snagged my Model 1o for less than $300 a few years back. Glad somebody can see some real beauty in those old classics. I love single action target shooting with my model 10 best of all. Thanks for your post.